Ex-Terengganu MB mocks defence of putting donations into personal accounts

(Malay Mail Online) – Former Terengganu mentri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said today ridiculed those defending the acceptance of political donations into personal accounts, saying the practice would encourage corruption.

Questioning the recent admissions by senior Umno leaders that the practice was commonplace, the Kemaman Umno chief pointed out that these declarations only came after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission began probing the funds.

“Suddenly, there is a minister who says political donations are normal, then there are ministers who say depositing the sum in a private account is safer.

“When the MACC investigates, then only is it said the money is for the party,” he was quoted as saying by news portal Malaysiakini today.

Ahmad added that the admission is likely to prompt other lawmakers to follow suit and begin taking donations into their private accounts.

Umno ministers such as Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan have sought to explain that the acceptance of donations into personal accounts was acceptable and not unlawful.

In a televised interview, Abdul Rahman also said the practice was safer than having proxies hold the funds for Umno.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has cleared him by categorising the funds as a donation from the Middle East.